NGO "The Association of Cartoonists" was founded in July 2002 basing on the unity of interests of its members. The Association Chart envisages individual and collective membership. The Association members are both amateur and professional cartoonists. The principal aim of Association activities is to unite cartoonists and artists for solving common problems and self-realisation in social life and creative work, as well as cartoon exhibitions' organisation.
The main event of Association's creative life is international cartoon contest Independence", which was initiated in 2001 and is carried out every year.